An unlawful detainer assistant (UDA) is a person who, for compensation, provides assistance in an eviction  lawsuit or unlawful detainer claim. These assistants help either the landlord prosecute the eviction or the tenant defend against it. UDAs are regulated and must register with the county clerk in every county where they operate, which includes filing a bond and other paperwork. 

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What we do:

• Prepare documents: Assist in preparing and filing the necessary legal documents for an eviction case.

• Offer direction to publicly available material prepared or approved by attorneys about the eviction process and procedural steps.

• Handle court filings: File documents with the court. 

• Manage eviction notices: Help serve eviction notices according to legal requirements. 

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Key requirements:

• Registration: Must register with the County Clerk in each county they operate in.

• Bond: Required to post a bond (often for $25,000) to operate as a UDA.

Important distinctions:

• An unlawful detainer assistant is not an attorney.

• They are also distinct from a legal document assistant, as each profession requires its own specific registration and bond.